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Skiing is an extraordinarily popular hobby that’s nevertheless ignored by many people who could easily get into it with just a little bit of effort. I’ve loved skiing for most of my adult life, and seldom miss out on an opportunity to hit the slopes in order to enjoy the latest snowfall. Over the course of my skiing career, I’ve discovered that it’s easier to get my friends, family members, and coworkers interested in skiing if I clearly elucidate just how it’s improved my life.
Here’s an exploration of 5 things that I truly love about skiing, and why I think more people should engage with the sport.
5. It’s the true outdoors
Look, we’ve all been told about the “majesty of the great outdoors” a million times in our lives. What I’m talking about is something different – not a mere buzzword or picture to put on your social media page, but the truly thrilling and awe-inspiring experience of immersing yourself in the wild. Skiing enables me to reach new heights – literally – before harnessing the power of gravity itself to get the best possible tour of the local scenery. I can’t count the amount of times I’ve had my breath taken away but a truly phenomenal view while skiing.
Those of you who want to breathe in fresh mountain air and see the splendor of nature in its real form are thus highly encouraged to go skiing.
4. Boy, does the gear look great
Am I being too egotistical when I say that I love the way I look in ski gear? All jokes aside, the aesthetic of a ski town is unlike anything else on this earth, and the charming and at times hilarious things that people wear out on the slopes is one of the best parts about skiing, in my opinion. The amazing comedic things that people wear when they’re skiing has to be seen to be believed.
More seriously, I also love…
3. The unparalleled adrenaline rush
I can’t get enough of adrenaline, which is doubtlessly one of the reasons that skiing has appealed to me since I first forayed into the mountains. Studies have shown that skiers are actually happier than snowboarders, something I’m fond of believing in precisely because I’ve experienced it myself. This isn’t to mock snowboarders – as a matter of fact, I’ve been known to try snowboarding once or twice myself – but to playfully point out that skiing is a tremendously exciting activity that gets your heart racing and generates tremendous memories after a long day of downhill shredding.
If I’m at work, I have to worry about IT training or some lackluster contract we just signed with another company. When I’m on the slopes, all of that goes away and I’m alone with myself and the racing heartbeat that’s desperately trying to escape the confines of my chest.
2. The rest and relaxation
Not everything is about heart-pounding action. Sometimes, the best part of a day at a ski resort is sitting back after you’ve exhausted yourself in order to enjoy some delicious food. Resting and relaxing with fellow skiers is always an enjoyable time, and you’ll never know who you meet when you explore the local lodge or head to an unfamiliar resort.
I mean, seriously, what’s better than a cup of hot coco after a long day of enduring the bitter winds at the mountaintop? I must confess to enjoying a few drinks with friends after we set some new records, too, though like all things in life, the rest and relaxation after a lovely day of skiing should be enjoyed in moderation.
1. The friends you make along the way
I know it may sound sappy, but the truth of the matter is that there’s nothing I love more about skiing than meeting new people and becoming lifelong friends with someone who shares your interest and desire to see the world. Skiers are an incredibly friendly group of people – I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to rely on their charity or assistance in times of trouble – and someone out there is always willing to show you the ropes if you’re new to the slopes.
For those of you who are shy or simply don’t have much experience introducing yourself to others, there are even comprehensive guidebooks that will help you make friends while skiing. I guess I’m trying to say that there’s no excuse for skiing by yourself for long, as the ski community is incredibly diverse and extraordinarily welcoming to newcomers.
These are only some of the reasons I love skiing – a truly accurate list would be too long to publish. Over the next few years, I look forward to exploring new and exciting elements of skiing as a sport and hobby alike to further my avid passion for skiing.